The Detroit Tigers have signed former Mets closer Bobby Parnell to a minor league contract with an invite to major league spring training.
Parnell, 31, appeared in 30 games for the Mets last season, posting a 6.38 ERA in 24.0 innings.
Once boasting a 100+ MPH fastball and a wicked knuckle curve, Parnell parlayed his repertoire to deliver an outstanding season in 2013. He posted a 2.11 ERA, 0.990 WHIP and 166 ERA+ that year and took over the closer role midseason to save 22 games.
Unfortunately, Parnell needed offseason surgery to repair a herniated disc in his neck, and that was just the beginning of increasing health issues that eventually culminated in Tommy John Surgery after making one appearance on Opening Day in 2014.
Parnell later admitted that his torn UCL may have been caused indirectly by the issues with his neck.
When Parnell returned last Summer, after nearly 20 months of rehab, his velocity took a huge hit, averaging between 92-94 mph.
In his 8-year career with the Mets, he has a lifetime 20-28 record and 3.78 ERA while saving 37 games in 329 appearances.
